Crisfield Close-Up

Crisfield Close-Up Stefanie Luedtke
Journalist | Storyteller | Crisfield News & Culture

Bringing you real stories from the heart of Crisfield.

Covering local news, events, and the voices that make our community unique.

📍 Crisfield, MD | DM for tips & stories

03/27/2025
03/21/2025

Summertime In Crisfield

For most people, summer is a time for fun, excitement, and various events. In Crisfield, it’s no different. Summers here are truly special; the sunrises and sunsets over the bay create stunning views, and you can often see kids making their way to the local Dollar General. There's something heartwarming about watching toddlers in their floppy sun hats at Wellington Beach, the joyful faces of children at the park enjoying their time off from school, and teenagers on their McDonald’s dates. This is just a glimpse of what summer in Crisfield has to offer.

Are you craving summer? Here are some aspects of Crisfield summers that will make you want it even more. While some may say there's nothing to do in Crisfield, there are plenty of summertime activities to enjoy:

- Crabbing & Fishing
- Visiting Janes Island State Park
- Boating
- Exploring the J. Millard Tawes Historical Museum
- Watching the Sunset
- Going on Nature Walks
- Relaxing at Wellington Beach

As we savor these activities, the arrival of the Crab Derby marks a festive farewell to summer. This beloved event brings the community together in a joyous celebration, featuring lively competitions and a chance for everyone to participate in the age-old tradition of crabbing. Families gather to enjoy delicious local seafood, share stories, and showcase their prized catches. It feels as though the entire town comes alive, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement that encapsulates the essence of our summer.

As the Crab Derby draws to a close and school days return, the once-bustling streets quiet down. The laughter and chatter of children at the parks become memories, and the vibrant energy of beachgoers fades into the past. We’ll find ourselves missing those long, sun-soaked days and the simple joys they brought. The sunsets that painted the sky with hues of orange and pink will linger in our minds, reminding us of lazy afternoons spent by the water. As we transition into the quieter months, it’s the memories of summer in our charming community that will keep our spirits bright and anticipation alive for the next season of warmth and togetherness.

Phones VS. Our Small Town  How long have you been scrolling on your phone today? Specifically, how long have you been on...
03/20/2025

Phones VS. Our Small Town

How long have you been scrolling on your phone today? Specifically, how long have you been on Facebook? Think about how many negative posts you've encountered. This isn't meant to criticize anyone but rather to highlight an issue we're all facing. The internet can be a wonderful tool for bringing people together, but it also has the potential to create division. The residents of Crisfield are no exception to this.

Before smartphones existed, how did you perceive Crisfield? Phones often provide a distorted view, suggesting that one place is superior to another. But if you put down your phone and open your nearest window, what do you hear, feel, and see? Today is a warm day, so you might notice the pleasant weather and hear the birds chirping. Paying attention to these small details is important, yet we often overlook them when we focus on our screens.

Your phone isn't the problem—it's the way you engage with the information you encounter. A particular comment on a recent article may have prompted you to reconsider your viewing habits. For instance, the remarks from June Lewis and Robin Rayford about their granddaughters enjoying their time together offer a different perspective. Next time you're out, try to see the world through a child's eyes—without a phone. What will you notice around you?

Our small town is absolutely beautiful. We should use our phones to connect. We could start clubs, organize events, or even just communicate with other residents of Crisfield without needing to see them face-to-face. Let's make these ideas a reality. Let’s use our phones for good.

How I Changed My perspective On CrisfieldMost people know Crisfield as a boring, low-income town. While it does have its...
03/12/2025

How I Changed My perspective On Crisfield

Most people know Crisfield as a boring, low-income town. While it does have its limitations and struggles, it is anything but boring. This town reflects what you make of it. I used to think it was dull as well, but I soon realized that it wasn't the town's minimalistic or low-income nature that made it seem boring; it was the attitude of some of the townspeople. Many locals seemed unmotivated, which contributed to the perception of boredom.

Having recently graduated from Crisfield High School, I met a lot of different people during my time there. One person, in particular, sparked my passion for what I do today: my journalism and photography teacher. She taught me many valuable lessons that helped me see the beauty in Crisfield. She encouraged me to pay attention to the small details—something any good photography teacher would advise. However, during interviews and photo assignments in her class, I discovered my love for this work. Her praise for my efforts made it feel less like hard work and more like a comforting passion. It was then that I knew journalism was my passion.

As a teenager in high school, I would walk around Crisfield, taking photos along with watching the sunset and the people. Every time I ventured out, I would notice something new and different. I began to realize just how much I loved the small details and their significance. This sparked a desire to learn more about my town and its unique characteristics.

This was the moment I began to recognize Crisfield’s true beauty. I noticed people outside engaging in their activities while I was focused on my own. This shift in perspective made me realize that the town wasn’t as dull as I had previously thought. I witnessed people and scenes that I would have overlooked if I hadn’t been paying attention.

All photos by me:

12/12/2024

After a long while of being gone I’m going to start writing again, sorry about the wait

11/08/2024

My Bestest Friend

“What can I say besides he was the nicest man ever? Mr. Robertson (my next-door neighbor) was an old man who worked on lawnmowers, was never married but had been with his partner long enough he didn’t have to be, he never had kids but was very good with me and my sister. When I was 6 I had my tonsils removed, I remember writing on a piece of paper telling him I couldn’t talk. He had bought me and my sister some sand so we’d have a sand pile to play in, he always gave us nails to bang into the tree, he was a very loving man; very caring. He always talked to me in a manner that showed that I was just a little human; he was an excellent listener. I remember when my first tooth began to wiggle due to an apple he had given me, I immediately ran to show him after my grandmother had told me it was a good thing. I remember him letting in the neighborhood stray while his partner was at work, Lulu was his cat everyone knew it, and that cat loved him. Animals and children alike just clung to him, I guess we all just knew how much of a kind-hearted person he was. He would always sit at our swimming pool just to make sure we were ok and nothing would happen. In April of 2014, I lost the best friend I had ever had, I was lost for a very long time. He will forever be in my heart and will always be my best friend.”

-A Crisfield Youth

11/08/2024

Welcome everyone, thank you for being here, tomorrow’s first interview will be up most likely by 12 pm. Thank you for your patience and support

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